55ishlbs gone! Almost there!

rubixcyoob

So, my before picture is from March 2011, and my after picture is from March 2012. I didn't post before, because I didn't feel like it was a real success, as I am still 14-20lbs away from my goal weight (no set weight, just what I feel best at). I haven't lost weight since the after picture was taken, but now I am hoping showing how far I have came, will inspire me to push that bit further!

However, over the Christmas period I have fallen off the wagon big time - but been lucky enough to maintain. Tonight I went and bought myself the Polar FT4, and spending so much money on it, I AM going to use in in the New Year. I plan on working out Mon-Fri every morning before my son wakes up, and fitting some yoga/pilates in during the night too.


I had never been fat, or overweight, until I fell pregnant. I was 16, in a bad relationship, and lived in student accommodation. We had no freezers, no real cupboard and a small fridge compartment (I'm talking a 2l bottle of milk, tub of butter and cheese and it was full!), so it was hardly healthy. Instead I snacked and ate meals consitsting of pizza, chinese and other take away or junk food. I was out of control, but I thought to myself "hey, I'm pregnant, it's allowed!".

In the 9 months I probably gained about 80lbs (I don't know my beginning weight, but given some of my pre-preg clothing is still a little too small and I've lost 56lbs I'd aim around there). After my son I never lost the weight at all, I had no motivation.

Then one day, I just decided enough was enough. I almost completely cut out crisps and chocolate (maybe once a month I'd have one small packet of crisps or bar of chocolate); almost cut out all alcohol; was very strict with recording my calories; and I exercised 5-6 times a week, for an hour a time - mostly cardio.

I am now 140lbs, give or take a few, and have been for a year or so. I am now planning to not only lose the last few lbs, but tone up, a lot. I am going to reset my MFP profile to sedentary and work from there; exercise 5 mornings a week; focus on strength predominantly; and hoping that the need to buy my wedding dress soon, will get me to my goal weight and keep me there.

The first picture is, as I said, March 2011 (I'm the one holding the baby!), the second is March 2012 (excuse the bad dancing and alcohol - Law Ball! I'm the one in the pink dress (looks white)). I'll also include a face picture from March 2011 and then from a few weeks ago - it is very noticeable in my face!

I am 5'6" and stats as follows:

SW: 196-200lbs
CW: 140lbs (give or take)
UGW: Between 126lbs and 119lbs. Whatever looks best, although the focus is on getting strong and lean.

Before:



After:

mrso97

wow! you look amazing!!!!

rubixcyoob

Thank you

slcostel

HUGE transformation! You look great! Congratulations on your hard work paying off

LetsGetFitMama

wow, amazing transformation! Thank you so much for sharing! You are gorgeous btw!

jessicaclark616

Wow! You look FABULOUS! Younger even! Keep it up!

gaylynn35

Awesome job!! Congratulations!!!

rubixcyoob

Thank you everyone!
Although I'm not super confident, and probably never will be, it's amazing what losing the weight and getting braces does for your self-esteem!

That second face picture is the first picture I ever took with an open mouthed smile.

Booksandbeaches

You look beautiful! Congratulations!

I've had braces too and I totally get what you mean about having straight teeth.